The Influence of Television News Depictions of the Images of War on Viewers

Michael Pfau Ph.D. University of Arizona; Department of Communication, University of Oklahoma

Michel M. Haigh Ph.D. University of Oklahoma; College of Communication at Pennsylvania State University

Theresa Shannon Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Toni Tones Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Deborah Mercurio Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Raina Williams Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Blanca Binstock Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Carlos Diaz Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Constance Dillard Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Margaret Browne Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Clarence Elder Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Sherri Reed Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Adam Eggers Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

Juan Melendez Department of Defense Joint Communication Course, University of Oklahoma

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Abstract

Results of an experiment about the influence of network television news coverage of combat in Iraq on viewers indicated that, compared with a control condition which featured news stories about combat operations in Iraq described by news anchors, news reports also featuring footage of combat operations increased viewer involvement levels about the war and reduced viewer support for continued military presence in Iraq. Television news footage of combat operations also reduced viewers' pride in U.S. military presence but did not affect other emotions. However, regardless of how news stories were packaged, women experienced greater emotional response to network news stories about combat operations than men. The results also shed light on the potential of inoculation to deflect such influence.

Notes

^aSignificant compared with narrative without combat footage condition at p < .01.

^bSignificant compared with the narrative plus combat footage condition at p < .01.

^aSignificant compared with males at p < .01.

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The Influence of Television News Depictions of the Images of War on Viewers

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